Genesis 45:27 kjv

And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived:

Genesis 45:27 nkjv

But when they told him all the words which Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived.

Genesis 45:27 niv

But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived.

Genesis 45:27 esv

But when they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived.

Genesis 45:27 nlt

But when they repeated to Jacob everything Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons Joseph had sent to carry him, their father's spirits revived.

Genesis 45 verses

Genesis 45 27 Meaning

Genesis 45:27 describes a pivotal moment in the life of Jacob. After his sons recounted all of Joseph's words and intentions, Jacob remained incredulous. However, upon seeing the tangible evidence – the chariots and wagons sent by Joseph from Egypt – Jacob's spirit was revived. This signifies a profound transformation from disbelief and despair to renewed hope, faith, and vitality, confirming the truth of Joseph's survival and elevated position.

Genesis 45 27 Context

Genesis 45:27 occurs at the climax of Joseph's story of reconciliation with his family. Joseph has dramatically revealed his identity to his brothers (Gen 45:1-8), explained God's providential hand in his journey to Egypt (Gen 45:5-8), and sent them back to Canaan with instructions and provisions to bring Jacob and the entire household to Egypt (Gen 45:9-25). Pharaoh himself has endorsed this plan, offering the best of Egypt for their sustenance.

The sons return to their aged father, Jacob, who has endured years of profound grief, believing Joseph to be dead (Gen 37:35, Gen 42:36). When they tell him the astonishing news – "Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt" – Jacob is understandably skeptical and numb ("his heart fainted, for he believed them not"). This deep-seated sorrow and disbelief could only be overcome by concrete evidence. The sight of the lavish provisions, especially the royal chariots Joseph sent, serves as the undeniable, visual confirmation that shatters Jacob's despair and revives his spirit. It bridges the gap between spoken testimony and deeply entrenched grief, paving the way for the reunion of the entire family and their descent into Egypt, fulfilling an earlier part of God's covenant with Abraham.

Genesis 45 27 Word analysis

• Then they told him: (וַיְדַבְּרוּ אֵלָיו – vay'dabberu 'elav) The Hebrew verb "told" implies a direct and complete recounting. The brothers earnestly shared Joseph's full account.
• all the words of Joseph: (כָּל־דִּבְרֵי יוֹסֵף – kol-divrei Yosef) This refers to not just the fact that he was alive, but all the explanations Joseph gave about divine providence, the famine, and the plan for their family to come to Egypt (Gen 45:5-13). It's a comprehensive report.
• which he had spoken to them: (אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אֲלֵיהֶם – asher dibber aleihem) Emphasizes the authenticity and detail of the message, directly from Joseph.
• And when he saw: (וַיַּרְא – va'yar) A critical shift from hearing (verbal testimony) to seeing (tangible evidence). For Jacob, seeing was believing, overcoming years of despair.
• the wagons/chariots: (הָעֲגָלוֹת – ha'agalot) The Hebrew term here can refer to heavy transport wagons or even light chariots used for transport or procession. Joseph sent them as a clear, irrefutable sign of his position and the royal provision granted by Pharaoh. These were not common possessions for nomadic shepherds; they were a direct testament to Joseph's status and access to royal resources (Gen 45:19-21). This material evidence brought concrete proof of Joseph's powerful position, something the sons' words alone could not convey sufficiently.
• which Joseph had sent to carry him: (אֲשֶׁר שָׁלַח יוֹסֵף לָשֵׂאת אֹתוֹ – asher shalach Yosef laseit oto) This confirms the personal, specific nature of the provision – Joseph’s direct act of inviting and providing transport for his aged father, demonstrating his care and capability.
• the spirit of Jacob: (רוּחַ יַעֲקֹב – ruach Ya'akov) Ruach signifies breath, life force, mind, and spirit. It encompasses Jacob's inner being, his vitality, his very will to live. For years, he believed Joseph was dead, crushing his spirit (Gen 37:35).
• their father revived: (אָבִיהֶם חָיְתָה – avihem chayetah) The verb chayah means "to live," "to be restored to life," "to revive." It indicates a dramatic internal transformation from utter despair and a spiritual 'death' to renewed life, hope, and energy. Jacob, who earlier refused comfort, now experiences a miraculous spiritual resuscitation. It signifies the end of his long period of mourning and a rekindled anticipation for the future.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "They told him all the words of Joseph... but his heart fainted, for he believed them not... and when he saw the chariots...": This sequence highlights the insufficiency of mere words (even from trusted sons) in overcoming deep-seated grief and the necessity of concrete, tangible evidence to provoke belief and bring about internal change. Jacob's physical proof was essential to his emotional and spiritual revival.
• "the spirit of Jacob their father revived": This phrase captures the profound inner transformation. It wasn't just Jacob regaining composure; it was a deep, spiritual reawakening, a renewal of his very being. The promise of God, though perhaps forgotten or obscured by sorrow, began to shine anew in his heart through this vivid, unexpected confirmation of divine providence.

Genesis 45 27 Bonus section

The "revival" of Jacob's spirit in Genesis 45:27 foreshadows God's covenantal faithfulness. For Jacob, who had lived a life marked by significant divine encounters, this physical confirmation after years of perceived divine silence regarding Joseph's fate was immensely vital. It bridges the spiritual truth of God's sovereignty with the very tangible reality of His intervention in human affairs. The agalot represent more than just transportation; they embody Joseph’s provision and the unexpected prosperity and protection awaiting Jacob’s family. This scene reinforces the narrative that God's plans are far grander and more intricate than human suffering or short-sightedness can comprehend, always leading to the preservation and flourishing of His covenant people.

Genesis 45 27 Commentary

Genesis 45:27 marks the climactic turn in Jacob’s life from profound, prolonged despair to overwhelming joy and renewed hope. For years, Jacob was convinced Joseph was dead, a grief that colored his existence and overshadowed any potential for joy. His sons' verbal testimony, though true, was insufficient to penetrate such deeply entrenched sorrow and disbelief; his "heart fainted," overwhelmed by the seeming impossibility of their news. This reflects human nature's struggle to believe news that contradicts long-held pain and resignation.

However, the sight of the agalot (wagons/chariots) acted as undeniable, material evidence that transcended mere words. These vehicles were not simply means of transport; they were concrete symbols of Joseph’s incredible authority, power, and genuine intent, sanctioned by Pharaoh himself. They confirmed the fantastical story of a beloved son, long thought lost, now a ruler in Egypt. This physical proof brought immediate conviction, breathing "life" back into Jacob's despondent ruach. His spirit, which had been 'dead' with sorrow, literally "revived" or "came to life again."

This moment signifies not just a personal restoration for Jacob, but also a crucial step in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. Jacob’s revived spirit enabled him to embrace the move to Egypt, ensuring the preservation and future growth of the covenant family in a time of famine. It underscores a key biblical principle: while faith often relies on unseen truths, God sometimes provides tangible signs to strengthen belief and assure His people of His sovereign working, especially when their faith is weak or overwhelmed by circumstances. The chariots were a physical manifestation of God's hidden providence, working all things for the good of His chosen.